With travellers now taking multiple holidays there’s even time to travel without the kids. Maybe it’s to rekindle the romance, share in an adult adventure or just to de-stress from family life. From empty nesters to single parents Ranch Rider reveals the 2007 travel guide to adult ranching, incorporating the five best ‘child free’ adventures and departure dates – allowing grown ups to ride safe in the knowledge that even piercing cries from OPK’s (other people’s kids) won’t be part of their holiday memories.
Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, comments: “Adult weeks, adult oriented ranches, cowgirl classes, cattle drives and off peak travel, add up to stress free getaways minus the kids. However, don’t be fooled by family led ranches as some still hold adult weeks, for example, the Paradise Guest Ranch in Wyoming. Working ranches also make a sound option for grown ups as these ranches don’t tend to cater for families and some adult oriented options even come without the single supplement, ensuring single parents aren’t penalised when they decide to take up the reins.”
Those drowning under an endless stream of nappy bags, teethers and wet wipes should try a 7-night stay at the Echo Valley Resort Ranch in British Columbia, where guests can rekindle the romance with a stay at the honeymoon cabin offering added intimacy and seclusion. Gourmet cooking and adult conversation come as standard, along with a range of adventurous activities including, 4X4 trips into Cariboo Country, bird watching, flight-seeing and sensuous massages for two at the Baan Thai Spa. Ranch Rider tip: The Echo Valley is adult oriented and takes kids 13 years plus, but avoid Easter, the last week of July and the first week of August when the Echo Valley has its annual "kids weeks”. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,848pp. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended.
Single Dad’s and Mum’s won’t feel like outsiders at the Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado. Ranch Rider tip: No single supplements are charged on ranch stays and from 26 August – 23 September guests are adult only. There’s also a real group element ensuring travellers arrive as strangers but leave as friends. A luxury hideaway in the Elk River Valley the Vista Verde offers a range of activities allowing singles to unleash their passion for adventure, with tailored riding for groups of between two to six, river rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and even hot air ballooning. Each sumptuous cabin comes with its own outdoor hot tub and sensual post ride massages are available for added pampering. A 7-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £2,433pp.
After planning family expeditions for many years organising a holiday just for two could be new territory for some parents. Ranch Rider has the perfect escape for empty nesters – the Hideout at Flitner Working Ranch in Wyoming.
Ranch Rider tip: Travel in late September when flights are cheaper FROM £449pp and see the beauty of the changing foliage – missing both the crowds and the kids. Boasting luxury accommodation, guests can expect more comfort than is usually found at the traditional working ranch, allowing post parents to get into the spirit of the West without missing out on their creature comforts. After checking fences and moving cattle to new pastures there are also cocktails and gourmet delights at the lodge, where guests can relax and get ready for the following days adventure, whether it be on horseback, by airboat or by helicopter. A 6-night stay with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,970pp.
Those leaving hubby or wife behind to brush up on their parenting skills might want to consider new challenges with a range of cowgirl weeks and cattle drives on offer from Ranch Rider. At the Sweet Grass Working Ranch in Montana the fairer sex can learn to master the reins and even ride bareback if they are feeling adventurous. Ranch Rider tip: The Sweet Grass Ranch takes kids of six and above, but 03 to 10 June is female only week. Dinner rides, swimming in the creek, hiking and even impromptu sing-alongs round the campfire come as part of the package. Ranch Rider’s 6-night cowgirls on tour package costs FROM £1,677pp (price includes single supplement).
‘Would be’ cowboys can also take up the reins on Ranch Rider’s Flynn High Country Cattle Drive. A tradition since 1870, this is an authentic experience and not a staged event, unlike cattle drives that are more commonly found at some recreational style ranches. Activities include lariat roping, fly-fishing and a celebratory barn dance after moving cattle to their summer pastures. Ranch Rider tip: an exhilarating adult only activity with no single supplement, available in June and August. A 6-night cattle drive with Ranch Rider costs FROM £1,578pp. Excludes gratuities and pre and post cattle drive accommodation.
All the above prices (unless otherwise stated) include return flight, all accommodation (based on two adults sharing), transfers, gratuities, airport taxes, meals, and all ranch based riding, with flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50pp supplement. Please note: flight prices are a guide only and may be subject to further fuel surcharges or increases.
Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811 or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com for further information.
Source: http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=30162&hilite=
